Kidd: I wouldn't rule out joining Nets, Knicks

Jason Kidd in Brooklyn as the Nets' backup point guard? It could happen, if you believe Kidd.

In a radio interview on ESPN's "The Michael Kay Show" yesterday, the soon-to-be free-agent point guard left open the possibility of rejoining the Nets or playing for the Knicks next season.

"I wouldn't mind either one," said Kidd, 39. "They both have great situations and I wouldn't rule those two out."

The free-agency period starts July 1.

It was pointed out that both franchises might not be ready to win championships immediately and he was asked if that's something that ultimately will be a deciding factor. "No," he said. "Winning comes in different stages. I had the opportunity to play for the Nets and no one ever thought we would achieve what we did as a team. So you never can rule out the possibility of getting to the Finals.

"But if I am backing up Deron [Williams] or Jeremy Lin or Steve Nash somewhere, that fits me perfectly."

Kidd, who indicated money won't be a huge factor, said of the Nets' big move to the Barclays Center, "I think Brooklyn, since the Dodgers left, they have been waiting for a team to come back. So I think there will be a lot of excitement and I think that team, they are going to put a team out that is going to be very competitive next year."

Kidd played six seasons with the Nets and led them to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.

Kidd also talked up Lin and was open to aiding in the Knicks guard's growth.

"I think he had a great run until he got hurt," Kidd said, "but I think he has all the tools to be a legitimate point guard in this league."

Kidd, the NBA's second all-time leader in assists, averaged 6.2 points and 5.5 assists in 48 regular-season games for the Mavericks this season.